Thursday, May 08, 2008

See Rainn Wilson as "The Rocker"

Not too much to report today, especially because - as usual - I'm already running late for work, but I figured just about everyone's Thursday would be brightened up at least a bit by the sight of Rainn Wilson in a really goofy haircut.

Before we get to that, however, there's good news today that for at least one veteran New Line director, John Waters, there will indeed be life after Warner Bros devoured and basically shuttered the little studio.

For his first feature film in four years, Waters is expected to be back with a "Christmas" movie called "Fruitcake," and the news today is that he's landed Johnny Knoxville and Parker Posey to star in it.

Now, in spite of that rather colorful title, this isn't an autobiographical flick, as many might believe. Instead, as with the previous Waters film "Pecker," the title simply refers to the nickname of the main character, a young boy named after his favorite dessert. Plot details are slim so far, but it apparently focuses on what happens when the youth runs away from home during the holidays after he and his parents are caught shoplifting meat, then meets up with a runaway girl raised by two gay men and searching for her birth mother.

Sounds as twisted as anything Waters has cooked up before, but hopefully with a sweet touch rather than simply gross. Look for it next Christmas, most likely from ThinkFilm.

In one other bit of news about "The Office," which has its penultimate episode tonight, it seems "The Wire" veteran and Oscar nominee Amy Ryan will be introduced as the new HR person when Toby departs next week. I'll really miss Toby, but assuming the great Ms. Ryan stays on for next season and more, I'd still have to say this is a case of trading up.

But now on to today's main course. As goofy as this looks, I'm hoping it will pair nicely with "Pineapple Express" to give us the kind of comedies that August so sorely needs. At the very least, Wilson should be a hoot. Enjoy this trailer for "The Rocker," and have a perfectly passable Thursday. Peace out.

4 comments:

Bob said...

"The Rocker" looks fun. Seems like a perfect role for Rainn Wilson. And did you notice the girl in the band is Jules from "Superbad"?
What's this about Toby leaving? He's my favorite character! That sucks. I guess he really is moving to Costa Rica.

Reel Fanatic said...

I was kind of hoping that was just an awkward joke to relieve the tenion after he pawed Pam's leg, but apparently it's true ... I think Amy Ryan will be just fantastic, though, especially since Michael does so notoriously well with female executives

Terence Towles Canote said...

Great to know Amy Ryan will be on The Office. I do hope she stays for next season!

kat said...

I don't read any of the behind the scenes scuttle for "The Office"---what is the reason for Toby leaving?